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Rhinoviruses infect the lower airways
N G Papadopoulos1, P J Bates, P G Bardin
1University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 6, 2000
Summary
Rhinoviruses cause colds and trigger asthma attacks by directly infecting the lower airways. This study confirms bronchial infection, leading to inflammation and supporting direct lower respiratory involvement in asthma exacerbations.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rhinoviruses are the primary cause of the common cold.
- Rhinoviruses can trigger acute asthma exacerbations.
- The mechanism by which rhinoviruses induce asthma exacerbations (direct lower airway infection vs. indirect mechanisms) is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether rhinoviruses directly infect the lower airways.
- To determine the role of direct bronchial infection in rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study: Primary human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to rhinoviruses.
- In vivo study: Human volunteers underwent experimental upper respiratory rhinovirus infection.
- Analysis of cytokine production (interleukin-6, -8, -16, RANTES) and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Bronchial infection with rhinoviruses was confirmed in both in vitro and in vivo models.
- Rhinoviruses induced the production of key inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-16, RANTES).
- Rhinoviruses exhibited cytotoxic effects on cultured respiratory epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Direct infection of the lower respiratory tract by rhinoviruses is a key event in asthma exacerbations.
- The inflammatory response in the lower airways mirrors that of the upper airways.
- Rhinovirus infections are a significant cause of both upper and lower respiratory tract disease.